The send-off and commemoration service in honor of the outgoing Director General of the International Institute of tropical agriculture (IITA) Dr. Nteranya Sanginga was a memorable one as dignitaries graced the occasion in high numbers.
The event which took place at the International Institute of tropical agriculture conference center in Ibadan today celebrated the first African man to become the director of the great Institute.
Some of which include the governor of Oyo state Engr. Seyi Makinde, the governor of Kaduna state Gov. Nasir El-rufai, the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi who was represented by the Alara of Ara land Oba Adebisi Segun Alayode, the president of the Democratic republic of Congo represented by Mr Pacifique Birindwa Kahasha, the former deputy governor of Oyo state, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, the former Gov. Of Oyo state High chief Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, president of the African development bank Dr Akinwunmi Adeshina, IITA former board chair Dr Amos Ngongi Namanga, IITA staffs were present at the occasion.
The event unfolded as guests described Dr. Sanginga as a man of great and laudable achievement who indeed has shown define leadership in a way it should be.
He was also described as a man who is interested in making others happy.
The Oyo state Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde while giving his speech stated the notable achievement that Dr. Nteranya Sanginga has made and the impact he his leaving behind, in his remark he noted how the state has grown and doubled economically in Agriculture through Dr. Nteranya, the governor also added that younger generation has equally been empowered through the various agricultural scheme project that were made available in the state through the shared knowledge of the celebrator. He added that the agriculture empowerment scheme which he actualize has spread to 13 schools in Oyo state and further thanked him for his good deeds in promoting the state.
Furthermore on his farewell speech, he recall the financial state of the institute which was draining before he became the DG, he noted that Dr. Nteranya was not informed about the financial constrian but fortunately for the college the economic status improved rapidly this he tagged as courage.
“Before you became the DG of the institute you were not told the economic status of the school that it was going down but your uncommon focus and leadership turned things around. He therefore noted that the qualities of leadership he used in upgrading the institute is also needed by the Nigerian leaders to help in improving the status of Nigeria through Agriculture and agro business.
He finally thanked him for his roles in Oyo state.
Speaking also at the occasion was the governor of State. Gov. El-rufai Nasir who highly revered Dr Sanginga as a man of great wisdom who has the leadership skills needed by every reasonable leader to lead people. He recalled how he met Dr. Sanginga at a conference where he appreciated the ways he laid down his ideas and arrange his knowledge, he pin pointed the fact that been the first African to be the DG he has been one of the best the college could ever had and appreciated his effort to the success been achieved”
“You’re the first African to become the DG and you turn out to be one of the best”
He therefore congratulated him on the send-off occasion and wished him well in all endeavors of his life.
“I congratulate you on this occasion and I know that the remaining years ahead will be your best year,and you wish you success ahead, I also look forward to learning from you as my new found boss” he said .
